LONDON, United Kingdom — In February of 2004, writing about London Fashion Week in the Guardian newspaper, Charlie Porter declared: “It’s that old London fashion week conundrum all over again — wondering what’s the point, and failing to find an answer.” A month earlier, Porter said that London Fashion Week was in crisis mode.

Looking back, it’s easy to understand Porter’s lack of optimism. That February, London hosted 40 shows in a 5-day schedule. This was a decline from 50 shows in September of 2003. Style.com only reviewed 13 of the on-schedule shows in London, or about 33 percent. As a proxy for quality, this ratio did not bode well for London’s position amongst the major fashion capitals. Major editors were in short supply and international buyers were few and far between at the lacklustre event.

What a difference five years makes. It felt like three times as much activity was packed in to the same five day period during this London Fashion Week. With more than 75 on-schedule shows and presentations at Somerset House and other locations, more than 50 off-schedule designers showing at Fashion Scout and On|Off, plus a full day of menswear and even more events each evening, this was a jam-packed London Fashion Week to remember.

… Continue Reading

H&M spring 09 ad campaign, courtesy of H&M

H&M Profit Increases on New Stores, Stronger Euro (Bloomberg)
“Hennes & Mauritz AB, Europe’s second-largest clothing retailer, reported a 6 percent profit increase for the second quarter after store openings and the stronger euro offset slower consumer spending.”

In the Comfort Zone in Milan (New York Times)
“EVEN if anyone could pronounce it, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is not a name you’re likely to hear a lot around the fashion circuit. Yet the eminent psychologist has come to mind during a week of men’s wear shows here that seemed designed to prove the theories of the guy who devised the concept of ‘flow.’”

Jonathan Saunders returns to London Fashion Week (Telegraph)
“Saunders becomes latest designer to confirm a return home for the 25th anniversary celebrations of LFW.”

Dress top to toe in clothes that benefit charitable causes (Canadian Press)
“In this challenging economy, indulging your fashion desires can feel a bit, well, indulgent. So why not be truly fashion conscious and buy brands that support charitable causes?”